The Manga Guide to the Universe: A Cartoon Guide to Astronomy--New from No Starch Press

San Francisco, CA, June 15, 2011—Hailed by critics as "stimulation for the next generation of scientists," the Manga Guides from No Starch Press teach real science using original Japanese comics and lighthearted storylines. Now this groundbreaking series returns with a look at the universe itself.

The Manga Guide to the Universe (June 2011, 256 pp., illustrated, $19.95, ISBN 9781593272678) takes readers on a voyage through our solar system, the Milky Way, and faraway galaxies. As they rocket across the night sky, readers learn about modern astrophysics and astronomy, and encounter the universe's greatest mysteries, like dark matter, cosmic expansion, and the Big Bang.

"Whether you're looking at the Sun, the Moon, or distant galaxies, the universe is captivating," said No Starch Press Founder Bill Pollock. "But it can also be more than a little mystifying. That is, until you combine it with manga! Now even I can understand it."

Ways to measure and observe heavenly bodies, and how astronomers calculate distances in space

Discoveries by Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler, Hubble, and other key astronomers

Stellar classifications, and how a star's temperature, size, and magnitude are related

The mystery of cosmic background radiation and scientists' exciting predictions for the future of the universe

Co-published with scientific and technical publisher Ohmsha of Tokyo, Japan, The Manga Guide to the Universe also includes a stunning 'Gallery of Astronomical Marvels' featuring full-color photographs.

Kiyoshi Kawabata, PhD, ScD, is a professor emeritus in the Department of Physics, College of Science, at the Tokyo University of Science. He specializes in astrophysics, particularly observational cosmology and radiative transfer theory.

About the Manga Guide Series
Each volume in the Manga Guide series explains essential scientific and technical subjects using Japanese-style comics. Co-published with Ohmsha, Ltd. of Tokyo, Japan, each guide is written by a scientist or mathematician with expertise in the field and illustrated by a professional manga artist and scenario writer, ensuring the authenticity and accuracy that readers demand. Bestsellers in their original Japanese, these unique books are translated into English with the assistance and oversight of technical experts. Titles in the series include The Manga Guide to Statistics (9781593271893), Databases (9781593271909), Electricity (9781593271978), Physics (9781593271961), Calculus (9781593271947), Molecular Biology (9781593272029), and Relativity (9781593272678).

About No Starch Press
Founded in 1994, No Starch Press is one of the few remaining independent computer book publishers. We publish the finest in geek entertainment—unique books on technology, with a focus on open source, security, hacking, programming, alternative operating systems, LEGO, science, and math. Our titles have personality, our authors are passionate, and our books tackle topics that people care about. Visit http://www.nostarch.com for a complete catalog.

About Ohmsha
Founded in 1914, Ohmsha is a science and engineering book publisher based in Tokyo, Japan. In addition to publishing dozens of titles a year in Japan, Ohmsha is also active in foreign projects, including co-publications with major publishers in Europe, North America, and Asia, and joint ventures with major international publishers. With the aim of contributing to the development and progress of science and technology in Japan, Ohmsha established The Promotion Foundation for Electrical Science and Engineering in 1951; through this foundation, the OHM Technology Award is given every year to those who have made significant contributions to the field of electrical engineering.

About O'Reilly

O'Reilly Media spreads the knowledge of innovators through its books, online services, magazines, and conferences. Since 1978, O'Reilly Media has been a chronicler and catalyst of cutting-edge development, homing in on the technology trends that really matter and spurring their adoption by amplifying "faint signals" from the alpha geeks who are creating the future. An active participant in the technology community, the company has a long history of advocacy, meme-making, and evangelism.